Do something good for yourself and for others this holiday season. It’s the best gift you could give and it’s free.

Here’s my story:
I recently moved from Massachusetts to Florida. Quite the ride in the overstuffed UHAUL, let me tell you.

Each day in Sarasota has been a glorious blessing. Aside from the job hunting, I have been charged with getting to know the area, settling my hubby and I into our condo and taking care of dinner, to name a few things. So each day I have carved out some time to take a long walk or go to the gym. I am on a mission to improve.

That day, my walk took me on the same path past the usual scenery. The lush landscaping in the housing complex, including the pond with the treasured ibis. The dumpster where the cardboard goes, not the plastic, and the gate to the “outside world.” Along the hot and humid, but shaded path beyond where we live to beyond the blood bank on the left-hand side of the walkway. I had one simple thought and – turned back…

I am not one to just go walking into a blood bank, believe me, but something compelled me to do so that day. My thought was simple. It’s time to start making people feel good whenever possible. Whether it’s my Mother, a random stranger on the street, a community of individuals in need or even just little old me. If I can do something each day to make someone “feel positive,” then I am going to do it.

So I made an appointment to donate blood. When I left the bright, cheerful office, I felt so charged up. Good things are happening. (Even if I am petrified of needles.)

Well, needless to say, it was a success. It took about 20 minutes from start to finish and I felt great afterward (just a little tired). My arm was a bit sore for a few days, but it was completely worth it. I know it might not seem like much, but to me it represented a shift in who I am and what I know is possible.